Heel-pricking machine.



J. H. POPE.

HEEL PRICKING MACHINE APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 4. 19x5.

Patented July 24, 191?.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l- J. H. POPE. HEEL PRICKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILEDSEPT. 4, 1915.

Patented July 24:, 1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

J. H. POPE.

HEEL PRICKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, I915.

Patented July 24, 191?.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

@% ATENT IDFEIGEO JOSEPH H. row, or HAMILTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR'ro Unri'EE EoE MACHINERY COMPANY, OF PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, Aconronn'rronor NEW JERSEY.

HEEL -PRICKIE'G MACHINE.

Application filed September 4, 1915. Serial No. 49,013.

To all whom it may concern Be. it known that I, JOSEPH H. Porn, acitiwhich the following description, in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawingsindicating like parts in the several figures. This invention relates toheel pricking machines by which perforations are formed in heels ofboots and shoes for the reception of the attaching nails.

It has been found in practice that many classes of heels may be attachedto boots and shoes by driving the attaching nails directly into andthrough the heels without first pricking them or providing perforationsfor the reception of the nails. In some classes of work, however, it isdesirable or even necessary to prick the heels preliminarily to the nailattaching operation, especially where the heels are formed of densematerial or of unusual height. If this is not done the nails arefrequently bent or deflected from ,their proper course while beingdriven, as described in the patent to Glidden, No. 1,077 ,929, grantedNovember 4:, 1913.

In thus preliminarily pricking the heel, the holes or perforations mustbe located on the tread surface of the heel with the rearmost.

hole or perforation at the same distance from the rear of the heel,irrespective of the size or shape of theheel itself, because in the heelattaching machine, the heel is positioned with relation to the rearmostattaching nail which should be the same distance from the rear of theheel, irrespective of the size or shape of the heel. When a heel thuspositioned is being pricked by a series of awls and also when the heelis being stripped from the awls, the lifts of the heel are liable to beseparated by the relative movement of the awls and lifts as the awlspass into and from the heel. Accordingly, animpo'rtant feature of thepresent invention consists in positively positioning a heel to bepricked so that the rearmost hole or perforation made therein shall bealways at a predetermined distance from ,the .rear of the heel andholding the heel by positive pressure during the heel pricking orstripping operations.

Specificatiof of Letters Patent.

Patented July 24, 11911 .7.

The relation between the tread surface and heel seat of heels varies. Insome cases the tread surface may remain uniform and the heel seat mayvary by reason of variation in the pitch of the heel, or both may varyin extent and angular relation of their respective surfaces. The presentinvention, accordingly, contemplates means for adjusting the heel seatsupport or follower block to different inclinations and difierent posi-30118 lengthwise or longitudinally of the In the preferred form of theinvention, as lllustrated herein, the awls pass through a stationarytemplet and enter the 'tread surface of the heel at an oblique anglethereto in order that the attaching nails to be subsequently driven maybe inclined to the tread surface. Another feature of the invention,therefore, consists in mounting the awls upon an awl carrier block whichas it moves the awls in their oblique path inclined to the tread face ofthe heel, is caused to be moved in a corresponding direction.

The heel positioning device is of novel construction and is positivelymoved to and from its operative relation with the heel to be pricked. Itmay happen at times that the operator may so adjust the fork of the heelpositioning device that it will be'in the path of the awls in trying outthe machine. This is more liable to occur when heels with small treadsurfaces are to be pricked. To prevent injury to the awls or the fork insuch cases, the .presentinvention contemplates a yielding connectionbetween the fork and its carrier, which will permit the fork to yieldwhen struck by the awls, but it is of a character to normally maintainthe fork in normal relation to its carrier.

At times it is desirable to adjust the position of the awls and templetwith relation to the heel to be pricked and to remove the awls andtemplet for the substitution of others suitable to the character of workto be done; To this end another feature of the invention consists of anadjustable support for bolding the templet andawl block or carrier andpermitting ready removal thereof.

In the present invention the heel to be pricked is held by positivepressure between the stationary templet and follower block, and the awlsare moved to prick the heel and are then withdrawn. In the preferredembodiment of the invention in these respects, the awls are actuatedfrom a slide having a movement greater than that required to in sert andwithdraw the awls, and to prevent the withdrawal movement of the .awlsfrom disengaging them from the holes in the templet, a further featureof the invention-con- .sists in means for operatively disconnecting theawl carrier from the slide when the awls have been fully withdrawn fromthe heel and before they can be disengaged from the holes in thetemplet.

Various other features of the invention will be hereinafter describedset forth in the claims.

In the drawings a Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heel prickingmachine embodying the various features of the presentinvention;

Fig. 2 is alongitudinal section of the machine shown by Fig. 1; i

'Fig. 3 is a detail side elevation showing the relative position of thepositive heel pressure means and associated parts when a heel is beingintroduced;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3, showing the heel underpositive pressure between the templet and follower, and the awlspenetrating the heel;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the niachine on the line 5-5, Fig.2, some ofthe parts being broken away; 7

Fig. 6 is a detail partly broken away, showin the yielding support forthe heel;

Fig. is a perspective view with some of the parts shown in section,looking from the leftof Fig. 1 and with the heel pressure means omittedfor clearness of illustration; Fig. 8 is'an enlarged detail showing theand definitely .40 means for operatively connecting and disconnectingthe awl carrier to and from the slide; and

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail showing the heel fork connection with itscarrier. The bed or frame 1 of the machine is suitablyl supported asupon legs 2- and sustains the working parts. A main driving shaft 3 is Lmounted in suitable hearings in the frame 1 and carries a belt pulley 4:and a pinion 5. A

hand Wheel 6 is also secured'to the shaft 3 for turning "the machine byhand when desired.

Operatively connected to the pinion 5 is a gear 7 secured to a crankshaft 8 suitably mounted in bearings upon .the machine frame. A slide 9is mounted on suitable v guides or ways 10 extending longitudinally ofthe machine frame and retained thereonby the cap plates or gibs 11.Connecting the slide 9 with the crank 12 of the shaft 8 is the rod 13,the construction being such that upon rotation of the crank-shaft 8 theslide 9 will be reciprocated longitudinally of the machine frame.

When a heel is being pricked by the'awls and also as it is being pulledor stripped from the awls, the lifts are liable to be separated. Thiscondition is liable to arise in pricking any form of heel held underyield ing pressure, but especially so where the heel isofunusual heightor considerable pitch. To 70. prevent the occurrence of thisobjectionable condition, the present invention holds the heel bypositive'pressure in the position to which it has been adjusted for thepricking operation. In the present instance, the heel is,positionedbetween a stationary templet and a follower block which is positivelyactuated to exert the desired pressure upon the heel, such actuation ofthe follower block being preferably obtained through toggle connectlonsoperated from the drivin shaft.

To this end there is mounted for movement longitudinally of the machineframe, the yoke 14 carrying a stem 15, to the end of which the followeris connected in a manner as will resently appear. Extending from theyoke 14 are the projections 16, preferably one at each'side, to whichare pivoted the members 17 of toggles, the other members 18 of which aresecured to a shaft 19 extending between the stationary supports such asthe lugs 20. These lugs 20 may e appropriately secured to any convenientstationary portion of the machine, but in the illustrated form of theinvention they are shown as projecting upwardly from the ca plates 11.

ecured to the shaft 19 between the toggles described, is thetoggle-actuating cam 21 having a cam lower surface 22 adapted to beengaged by a roller 23 mounted upon the slide 9. The surface 22 of thetoggleactuating cam is constructed and arranged to cooperate with theroller 23 on the slide v so that when the roller 23 is engaged with theforward or curved end portion of the actuating cam, as indicated in Fig.3, the said cam will be moved to break the toggle;

but when the roller 23 is moved by its slide 9 toward the oppositeportion of the cam 21, as indicated in Fig. 4, the toggle will bestraightened.

The stem 15 is screw threaded, as indicated in vFig. 2, and isadjustable long1tud1-' nally of the yoke 14 by means of an ad ust ingnut 24, said stem 15 being retained from rotative movement by suitablemeans such as the key-Way and in 25, substantially as indicated in Fig.2. ecured to the end portion of the stem 15 is the stem head 26, towhich is adjustably connected the follower head 27 In thepresent'instance of the in-. vention, the follower head 27 is providedWith a dove-tailed projection 28, as ind1 cated in Fig. 1, which engagesa corresponding groove in the face of the stem head 26. The followerhead may be connected to the stem head for adjustment in a directionlon- 'gitudinally of the heel by any suitable means, but in the presentform of the invention, such adjusting means is shown as an adjustingscrew .29, the end of which is screw threaded to the stem head 26, asindiengagement with the heel seat of a heel to be pricked. It may attimes bexiesirable-to change the follower block for one of differentcontour, and to enable this to be readily done, the follower 32 isprovided witha dove-tailed recess 34, Fig. 1, for, the reception of adove-tailed projection on the rear portion of the follower block, theconstruction being such that the' follower block may be readilyconnected to and disconnected made in a series of heels may from thefollower.

In order to adapt the follower block to the heel seats of heels ofdifferent pitch, the follower. 32 is adjustably mounted upon its pivotalconnection with the follower head so that it may be turned about suchpivotal mounting into different inclinations and then securely held. Asa preferred form of means for thus adjusting the inclination of thefollower, there is threaded into the follower head above and below thepivot 31 of the follower, the adjusting screws 35, the ends of whichbear upon the rearface of the follower 32, the construction being suchthat by adjustment of the screws 35, the follower may be turned to anydesired inclination suited to the heel seat of the heel to be prickedand be held securely in such adjusted position.

Heels vary greatly in size and shape. In some cases the treadfa'ces of aseries of heels may remain uniform in size, while the heel seat may varyaccording to the pitch of the heel. Also, it may be that the erforationse varied in position and inclination. In these various conditions it isdesirable that the heel seat of the heels be supported opposite theforce exerted by the awls. This is efl'ected in the present invention bythe described adjust- .ment of thefollower and the,follower head.

As hereinbefore noted, one feature of the present invention contemplatesexerting up on the heel a positive pressure during the heel pricking andheel stripping operations, and that to this end the heel to be treatedis held between a stationary templet and movable followen, It isdesirable, however, that the templet as well as the awl-block beremovarm 30 formed as part of or seably and adjustably held in theiroperative relation to the other parts.

' In the present instance ofthe invention,

the machine frame 1 is provided with upwardly-pro ecting side plates orflanges 36 which are provided with guideways 37, Fig.

7, for the reception of the templet 38 which is adapt-ed to slide freelyin such guideways. In order to readily lift the templet from theguideways 37, a suitable handle 39 may be connected to the upper portionof the templet as indicated in Fig. 7. Since the templet is to sustainthe positive pressure exerted upon the heel by the follower, the sideplates 36 are preferably braced by the flanges 40, Fig. 7. i

Extending through a suitable opening in one of the side plates 36 is atemplet support which, in the present instance of the invention,comprises an arm 41, the lower end 42 of which is turned toward thetemplet and is adapted to engage the lower end portion thereof, asindicated in Fig. 7. In-or- 'der that the arm 41 may be adjustablymounted upon its supporting side arm 36, it

is provided at its upper portion with asleeve 43, through which passesan adjusting screw 44having the thumb head 45,.the lower end of thisadjusting screw resting loosely upon the top surface of its sidesupporting flange 36, substantially as indicated in Fig. 7. From theconstruction described, it will be apparent that the templet 38-, whilefix edly held in the side flanges 36 to withstand the positive pressureexerted upon the heel during the pricking and stripping operations, is,nevertheless, readily adjustable in a direction longitudinally of theheel and likewise readily removable from operative position.

The templet 38 is provided with a series of holes for the guidance ofthe awls which are themselves carried by an awl block 46 adapted to bereceived in suitable guideways 47 of .an awl block carrier 48 mountedfor movement longitudinally of the machine,

substantially as indicated in Fig. 7. The

awl block carrier 48 may be connected to the machine frame for suchlongitudinal movement by the guideways 49 on which rest the flanges 50of .the awl block carrier.

The awl block carrier is prevented from rising from its guideways bysuitable means such as the plate 51 secured to theunder portion of theawl blockcarrier and engaging a suitable groove in the frame 1 of themachine. 3

Secured to the templet. 38 are the guide pins 52, Figs. 2 and 7. Theseguide pins extend toward the awl block 46 which is provided withperforations 53, Fig. 7, to receive such guide pins. The guide pins 52are parallel with the awls, the construction being such that as the awlsare moved to prick the heel, as will presently appear, the

and awls will be moved in awl block will be moved in a path parallelwith the awls; and by changing the inclination of the awls and guidepins 52, the perforations made in the heel may be varied, as desired.

The W1 block carrier s is provided with struction being such that byproper adjustment of 'the'nut' 57 the awl block carrier their prickingstroke by the slide as the latter moves to the right, Fig. 2; and sinceheelsvary in height, the desired length of prickling stroke may beimparted to the awls by proper adjustment of the nut 57.

The machine of the present invention is adapted for pricking heels, theheights of which may vary between wide limits, but it is desirable thatin the retracting movement of the awls they shall not be withdrawn fromengagement with the guide openings in the templet, and in this respectthe present invention provides.means'- for operatively connecting anddisconnecting the awl block carrier with its actuating means or slide sothe templet.

that, regardless of the height of the heel, the awls on their.retracting stroke will not be withdrawn from the guide openings in-Mounted upon the slide 9 are .the pawls 60, preferably one at each sideof the slide below the awl block carrier. These awls are normally underthe influence of springs 61 tending to turn the pawls upwardly abouttheir pivotal axis 62 to engage the ends of the pawls in notches 63formed in the bottom portions of the'awl block. carrier 48, theconstruction being such that upon movement of. the slide the pawls 60will engage the notches 63 in the awl block carrier and causesaid-carrier to moveto the left and withdraw the awls from the heel, orstrip the heel, as it is termed.

-' In order that the machine may be adaptedto prick the heels of maximumheight as well .as those of height, it is essential that the slide-9which gives the awls their pricking movement shall be moved an amountrequlred by the maximum height,

of heel, regardless ofjwhether the awls are for the time being prickinga low orzhigh' wheel. When pricking a low heel, however,

if the retracting movement of the'awls con-- tinued to' be the same aswhen pr'icking'a high heel,ithe awls would be liable to bewithdrawn fromtheir guide holes in the templet.

To overcome this objectionable condition, the present invention contem--plates operatively disconnecting the slide from the awl block carrierwhensaid car- 9 to the left, Fig. 2,

ried th'e awl block carrier' a sufficient distance to withdrawthe awlsfrom the heel,

but before said awls are withdrawn from the templet. From theconstruction described it will be apparent that when shal low or lowheels are being pricked, the nut 57 Will be adjusted on the rod 56toward the awl block, and consequently the awls will not be forced intothe heel until the slide 9 has moved a greater distance than it wouldhave moved had the nut 57 been adjusted farther from the awl block. Andconversely, on the reverse movement of'the slide the pawls 60 will pickup the awl block carrier and start the withdrawal movement of the awlsat a later period than if a higher heel were being pricked. In order -toprevent the awlsLbeing withdrawn from the awl block under any conditionsof. use, as by friction of the slide 9 acting upon the rod- 56, anadjusting stop 66 is preferably provided" to be engaged by the awl blockcarrier 48 when said awl block carrier has been moved a distancesufiicient to withdraw the awls from-the heel and before said .awls arewithdrawn from the templet. This wherein it is indicated as a screwthreaded into an arm 67" projecting upwardly from the bed of themachine.

From the construction thus far described,

dicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3 between the templet and the followerblock, and the crank shaft 8 of the machine be then turned, theflslide 9will be moved to the right, Fig. 2, and the roll 23 acting upon thetoggle cam 21 Will cause said toggle to be straightened,

a positive press.

and. the heel lamped. With sure between the templet and the followerblock, substantially as indicated in Fig. 2, before the awls penetratethe heel.

shaft, the slide 9 will be inoyed still farther- Upon , rther'rotationof the crank shaft after the heel has 'been nection between theslidetand theawl block carrier wlll be effected as t ough" the pawls.60, to yvithdraw the awls 'm the heel, and

Since the awls i will be raised I uide rods 52 which are paralle'lfwiththe aw fias the awls pass through the heel. .125

pricked, the slide 9 will be moved to the left, andoperative con- 1 00adjusting stop 66 is best shown in Fig. 1,

105 it will be noted that if a heel be placed as in-- 115 Upon furtherrotative movement of theQcrankafter they have been thus withdrawn, such.operative connection between the slide and awl block carrier will beinterrupted. During all this time, that .is, during the awl pricking andwithdrawing movement, the heel has been subjected to a positive pressurebetween the templet and the follower block;

but as soon as the awls have been withdrawn from the work, the roll 23on the slide engages the appropriate cam surface on the toggle-actuatingcam and breaks the toggle, thus returning the parts to the positionindicated, as in Fig. 3.

In order that the heel may be property positioned in the machine forattaching the heels to shoes, wherein the heels are positioned withrespect to the rearmost attaching nail, which is placed at-the samedistance at the rear of the heel regardless of the. size or shape of theheel, the present invention contemplates means for positivelypositioning the heel blank to be pricked, so

that the rearmost hole or perforation formed 1n the heel will be inproper position to receive the rearmost nail in the heel attachingposition.

As one means to this end, the side plates or flanges 36 hereinbeforedescribed, have rising therefrom the arms 67, Figs. 5 and 7,

said arms being suitably provided with guideways for the reception ofthe heel positioning slide 68, Fig. 5. Adjustably mounted in the heelpositioning slide 68,- is the fork carrier 69. tween the fork carrier 69and the slide 68 may be effected in various ways, but in the presentinstance of the invention it is formed by an adjusting screw 70 suitablythreaded into a projection 71 on the slide 68 and relatively mounted ina lug 72 mounted on the fork carrier 69, substantially as indicated inFig. 5, the construction being such that by hand manipulation of thehand piece 73 secured to the adjusting screw 70, the fork carrier 69 maybe moved longitudinally to different positions relative to the slide 68.

Mounted at the lower end of the fork carrier 69 is the fork for engagingthe rear or curved surface of the heel adjacent the face of the templet.In the present instance of the invention the fork 74 is connected to itscarrier 69 in a yielding manner topermit the fork to yield away from theface of the templet, should it be struck by the awls. As

one means to this end the fork 74 is mounted upon the fork carrier 69pivotally, as by the pivot stud 75, Fig. 9, and said fork 74 is normallyheld in operative position in prolongation of the carrier 69 by means ofa spring 76, one portion of which is secured to the slide 69 at 77, andthe other end portion of which, as at 78, bears upon a portion of thefork 74, the construction being such that the fork 74 may be moved aboutits pivotal connection 75 with' the carrier 69 The adjustable connection.be-

E'il

when struck by the awls as they pass through the templet without causingbreakage either of the awls or the fork, and upon retraction of, theawls, the construction is such that the spring 7 6 will return the forkto its normal operative position.

It is desirable at times to adjust the position of the fork 74 laterallyof the carrier 69, and to ,this end the fork 74 is preferably mountedupon a plate 79 which is itself pivotally connected by the pivot stud 75to the carrier 69. The fork 74 may be connected to the plate 79 by meansof a screw 80, which, when loosened, will permit the fork to be movedlaterally of the plate 79. Any convenient means may be employed to thuslaterally move the fork 74, but in the preswhereby it may be turned andmoved longitudinally. The central portion of the adj usting screw 82 isrecessed asat 84, and such recess is engaged by a lug 85 extending fromthe fork.74, the construction being such that ,upon longitudinalmovement of the adjusting screw 82, the fork 74 will vbe appropriatelymoved laterally.

In order to impart to the heel fork 74 its positioning movement and toinsure that the heel shall be pricked in proper relation to the rearedge thereof, the slide .68 is provided with a swivel block 86, Fig. 5,which is engaged by the forked end 87 of a bell crank lever 88 pivotallymounted at 89. The a other arm 90 of said bell crank is connected by alink 91 to a lever 92 pivoted at 93 upon a bracket extending from one ofthe said plates or flanges 36. The lower end portion of the lever 92 isprovided with a fork 94 which engages a lug 95 connected to a slide 96which is itself provided with a swivel block 97 engaging the bifurcatedend portion 98 of an actuating arm 99'. The arm 99 is pivoted upon themachine frame at 100 and at its end near the crank shaft 8 is providedwith a roll 101 which is normally held pressed towardthe gear 7 by meansof Y a spring 102 acting upon the arm 99 as 1nd1- cated in Fig. 1.Adjustably secured to the gear 7 as by means of the set screw 103, andsl0ts 104, is the cam 105 for acting upon .the

roll 101 as the gear 7 rotates, thereby im parting to the slide 96 andthe connected fork carrier 69, its positive movement into engagingrelation with the heel placed hetween the templet and the-followerblock.

Since the heel positioning block 74 is given positive movement toposition the rear or curved portion of the heel with respect to theawlsfthat the rear hole made by the awl may be the same distance fromthe rear of the heel, regardless of the size of the heel, it isdesirablejto support the breast of the heel yieldingly, I

receive a so that the positivelymoving fork may,'when the heel isoversize, depress the said heel to bring the rear edge into properrelation with the rear awl.-

As one form of means to this end, the cap plate 11 of the machine asindicated in F ig; 1, may be recessed as indicated in Fig. 6 to yieldingplate 106, said plate 106 being located as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2,below a heel positioned between the templet and follower block. Theyielding plate 106 may be variously formed to yieldingly support theheel, but in the preferred form of the invention, as indicated in Fig.6, the cap plate 11 is provided with the recessed portion 107 for thereception of the plate 106 portion of the plate 106 may he supported,

and a ridge or rest 108 on which the bottom The plate 106is preferablyconnected to the cap plate 11 by means of the screws 109, theconstruction being such that by proper adjustment of the screws 109; theposition and the yielding character of the plate itself may be varied tosuit the conditions of use.

It is the purpose of the present invention that the heels to be prickedbe successively fed into the machine without danger of in: Jury to theoperators hand; and to this end, a suitable feedin means is provided forcarrying a heel from one side of'the e to a position between the templetand follower block.-

In the present form of the invention, said means comprises an arm 110,Figs. 1 and 5, pivotally connected at 111 to a lever 112.

The lever 11 2 has an arm 113 through which 1 passes an adJusting screw114, the lower end bell chine toa position the follower block.-

'Contours of the if the arm 110, and

of which-abuts against a lug 115 carried by a spring 116 connected'to tothe arm 110 as at'117 maintains the lug 115 against the the lug 113 andnormally lower end of the screw 114, theconstruction being. such thatthe arm 110 may be normally moved by the lever 112, but should it meetan obstruction, said arm 110 may yield without causing breakage ofparts.

The lever- '112 is connected to a, link 118, the lower end of which-isconnected at 119 to one arm of a bell crank lever 120, saidcranklever'120 being adjustably connected at 121 to the slide 96, theconstruction being such that upon reciprocating movement of the slide 96through the arm 99, as hereinbefore described, proper oscillatorymovement will be imparted'to the feed arm 110 to carry a heel-"from theside of the mabetween the 'templet'and heels between the tread and the'heel seat surfaces vary. That is,

some of the heels have their side surfaces 'more inclined than others,and the present mvention contemplates the provision of means forengaging an-extended side surface of the heel, regardless surface ofwhich of its inclination. 'As

one form of means to this end, the lower portion of the feed arm 110 isprovided with a heel-engaging piece 122, the heel-engaging may beadjusted about an axis extending longitudinally of the arm 110, as bymeans of the set screws 123, the construction beingsuch that byadjusting the heel engaging tending longitudinally of the am 110, itsheel engaging surface may be caused to be parallel with the it is toengage and thereby insure proper movement of between the templet andfollower block.

What-is claimed is 1. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of agang of awls, heel positioningapplying a positive pressure to'the heelin the direction of the height and means for relatively moving the gangof awls and heel while the latter pression to prick the heel and stripit from theawls.

, 2. In a heel bination of a means for engaging the rear portion of theheel, means for actuating the heel positioning means to with therear'p'ortion thereof-the same distance from the rearmost awl of thegang irrespective of the size of the heel, a stationary templet,afollower between which and the stationary templet the heel-ispositioned, means for positively moving the follower toward the templetto apply positive pressure to the heel in the direction of. its height,rand means for moving the gang of awls to prick the heel and strip itfrom the awls while the heel is held under PQSltlVG 1 pressure.

3. In a heel pricking" machine, thecompricking inachine, the combinationof a gang of awls, a yielding support adapted to receive the breastportion of a heel, means for adjusting the support in a directionlongitudinally of the heel, heel positioning means for engaging the rearportion of a heel sustained on said support, means for actuating saidheel positioning means to positively position the heel Wlth the rearportion thereof the same distance from. the rearmost awl of the gangirrespective of the size of the ap'plyinga positive pressure to theheel, and means for relatively moving the gang of awls and heel whilethelatter is held under positive pressure to it from the awls.

4. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls, heelpressing piece 122 about an axis exthe heeltoward the posltion is heldunder positive com-.

gang of awls, heel positioning positively position the heel heel, meansfor prick the heel and strip.

surface of the heel which members, comprising a templet and followerconstructed and arranged to positively press the heel between them, amovable fork to engage the rear portion of the heel, means for movingsaid fork to positively position the heel with the rear portion of theheel in a predetermined relation to the rearmost awl of the gangirrespective of the size of the heel, and means for relatively movingthe awls and heel while the latter is held under positive pressure toprick the heel and strip it from the awls.

5. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a templet havingparallel faces and provided with awl guiding holes extendingtherethrough at an inclination to said faces, a gang of awls inclined tothe faces of said templet and engaging said holes, a follower blockangularly adjustable to conform to heels having various angles betweenthe seat and tread surfaces, and means for adjusting said block in adirection longitudinally of the heel.

6. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls, atemplet, means for pressing aheel against said templet for the action ofthe awls, comprising a stem having a head, a follower head adjustablymounted on the stem head and carrying a follower. means for angularlyadjusting the follower with relation to the follower head, and means formoving the follower toward and from the templet.

7. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls,altemplet and follower constructed and arranged to hold a "heel underpressure while being pricked by and stripped from the awls, heelpositioning means comprising a heel engaging fork and fork carrier,means for moving the fork carrier to engage the fork with the rearportion of the heel, and connections between the fork and fork carrierpermitting the fork to yield in the direction of the height of the heel.8. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls, atemplet and follower constructed and arranged to hold a heel underpressure while being pricked by and stripped from the awls, a fork forengaging the rear portion of a heel and positioning it between thetemplet and follower, a fork carrier, means for moving the carriertoward and from the heel, and spring means normally acting to hold thefork in operative relation to the carrier and adapted to yield t0 permitthe fork to move away from the face of the templet.

9.-In a machine of the class described, heel locating means comprising,in combination, a heel breast engaging member, and a forked rear gage tocontact with the rear portion of the heel, said member and gage beingrelatively movable longitudinally of,

the heel and the rear gage being adjustable transversely of the heel andyieldable in the direction of the height of the heel.

10. In a machine of the character described, heel locating meanscomprising, in combination, a forked rear gage for contacting with therear portion of the heel, and a heel breast engaging plate, a shoulderon which said plate rests, and means for clamping the plate in positionat each side of said shoulder.

11.. In a machine of the character described, heel locating means,comprising, in combination, a forked rear gage for contacting with therear portion of the heel, and a yielding heel breast engaging member forsupporting the heel for the action of the forked rear gage, means foradjusting the heel breast engaging member angularly relatively to theforked rear gage, and means for moving the forked rear gage positivelytoward said member.

12. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of an awl block carryinga gang of awls, a templet having holes or perforations for thepassage'of said awls, a follower for holding a heel against the templetduring the action of the awls, means for supporting the templet againstthe pressure of the follower, and a-supporting stop upon which thetemplet may rest, said stop permitting ready removalof the templet whenthe pressure of the followeris released.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a templetand awl block carrying a gang of awls, fixed guides for the templet,movable guides for the awl block, sliding connections between thetemplet and awl block, and an adjustable templet support extendingbeneath the templet and permitting ready removal of the templet and awlblock from their guides;

14. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a stationary templet,a follower, means including a slide for subjecting a heel to pressurebetween the templet and follower, a gang of awls, and means foroperatively connecting the gang of awls with the slide for giving to theawls pricking movements of variable amounts as required by the height ofthe heels to be pricked.

15. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls, astationary templet and a follower for holding a heel under pressurewhile it is being pricked by the awls. means for moving the awls toprick the heel, and means for operatively disconnecting the awls fromtheir moving means as they are withdrawn from the heel and before theyare withdrawn from the stationary templet.

16. In a machine of the character described, heel pricking means,comprising, in combination, a statipnary templet and a follower forholding a heel under pressure while being pricked, a gang of awls, awl

v actuating means for giving to the awls pricking movements of variableamounts as required by the heels to-be pricked, and means foroperatively disconnecting the awls from their actuating means on thewithdrawal stroke of the awls before they have been withdrawn from thetemplet.

17. In a heel pricking machine, the com bination of a gang of awls, aslide for actuating the awls, means for operatively con-, necting anddisconnecting the awls and slide, a stationary templet having holes orperforations for guiding the awls, a follower, and means actuated by theslide for causing the follower and templet to exert pressure on a heelbetween them while it is being pricked and stripped from the awls.

18. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls, aslide having a ,uniform stroke for actuating'the awls, means for varyingthe pricking movement of the awls imparted by the slide, a stationarytemplet through which the awls are moved in their heel pricking stroke,a follower, toggle means actuated from the slide to subject a heelbetween the templet and follower to pressure, and means for disengagingthe awls from the slide during .the retracting movement of the awlsbefore they are withdrawn from the templet.

.19. In a machine of the character described, heel pricking means,comprising, in combination, a gang of awls, a slide having a uniformstroke, means for causing the slide to impart to the awls prickingmovements of variable amounts as. required by the height of heels to bepricked, and means for operatively connecting the slide and awls duringa part of the retracting stroke of the.

slide to withdraw the awls from the heel and then permit the withdrawingmovement of the awls to cease before the slide has reached the limit ofits back stroke.

20. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a slide having auniform stroke, a stationary templet, a follower, toggle means actuatedby movement of the slide for exerting pressure on a heel between thetemplet and follower, a gang of awls, means actuated by the slideto givethe awls their pric g movement, and means operated by the slide forimparting withdrawal movement to the awls proportionalito the height of'1 heel pricked.

21. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a gang of awls, atemplet and follower for holding a heel between them while it is beingpricked by and stripped from the awls, a slide for relatively moving theheel and awls, a toggle for relatively moving thetemplet and follower.to clamp the heel, and a toggle actuating cam operated-by movement ofthe slide.

bination of a templet and follower for holding a heel between them, anawl block carrying a gang of awls, a slide foractuating the awl block tocause the awls to prick the heel and be withdrawn therefrom, anddisengaging means between the awl block and slide for varying thepricking and withdrawing stroke of the awls.

23. In a heel pricking machine, the combinationbf a gang of awls, atemplet and follower for clamping a heel between them, heel feeding.means and heel positioning means, atransverse slide, actuating meansfor reciprocating the transverse slide, and connections between theslide and said feed ing and positioning means respectively for operatingthe latter.

24. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a templet, afollower, means for effecting relative movement of the templet andfollower to subject a heel to pressure between them, a gang of awls, andmeans for giving to the awls pricking movements of variable amounts asrequii'ed by the height of the heels to be pricked.

25. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a templet, afollower, means for effecting relative movement of the templet andfollower to subject a heel to pressure 22. In a heel pricking machine,the comand engaging between them, means for varying the limit asrequired by the. height of the heels to be pricked.

26. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a templet, afollower, means for effecting relative movement of the templetandfollower to subject a heel to pressure between them, means for varyingthe limit of movement of the movable member to provide for heelsofdiflerent heights, a gang of awls, and means for giving to the awlspricking movements of variable amounts as requiredby the height of theheels to 'be pricked.:

' 27. In a heel pricking machine, the combination of a stationarytemplet, a follower movable toward the templetgto subject a heel topremure between them, means for varying the limit of movement of thefollower toward the templet to provide for heels of different heights, agang of awls,

means for imparting pricking movement to the awls, and means for varyingthe amount of such pricking'movement to correspond to that of thefollower-in its various adjustsigned my

